Research Associate

Mestag Therapeutics; Little Chesterford; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site parking

Gym on site

Canteen

Job summary

Mestag Therapeutics is seeking a Research Associate for the Target Discovery and Validation team in Cambridge. This entry-level role offers hands-on experience in cutting-edge biotech, including 3D disease models, bioprinting, and CRISPR screening, with training and mentorship to grow in the field.

The position focuses on developing skills across routine workflows, 2D/3D culture, and data collection within a collaborative lab environment, contributing to impactful science at Mestag.

Qualifications

• Degree in biological or life science discipline required.
• Strong attention to detail and proactive approach to lab work.
• Willingness to learn new techniques and contribute to a busy research environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist Senior Scientists with routine experimental workflows and data collection.
• Cell immortalisation, viral transformation and cloning.
• Support basic cell culture activities transitioning to more complex 3D culture model assembly as training allows.
• Sample analysis including high content imaging, ELISA, western blot, spectral cytometry and RT-qPCR.
• CRISPR KO generation, cell bulking and screening.

Skills

Attention to detail

Willingness to learn

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in biology or life science

Job description

Research Associate - Target Discovery and Validation

Chesterford research Park - Cambridge

12 month FTC

Competitive salary plus extensive benefits package and on site parking.

Never losing sight of our purpose. At Mestag we truly believe in our values and live by them every day. We're ambitious about our science and its potential to deliver meaningful therapeutics to the patients that need them most. We believe in a culture of diversity, equality and investing in people to ensure our talented and passionate team members can fulfil their full potential.

We are based in spacious and modern laboratory and office facilities at Chesterford Research Park near Cambridge, UK - right in the very heart of the UK life science sector. Our facilities are kitted out with state-of-the-art instruments to enable our dedicated researchers to deliver incredible science.

This is an exciting opportunity for a science graduate with some lab experience looking to take their first step into the biotechnology industry. The role offers excellent exposure to a cutting-edge biotech environment, providing the chance to develop practical skills, learn from experienced researchers, and contribute to impactful scientific work. It is ideal for someone early in their career who is eager to learn, develop their laboratory skills, and contribute to a collaborative scientific environment where teamwork and passion for science are key. With hands on training and supportive mentorship, this is a fantastic opportunity to grow and progress within the field.

The role offers a unique opportunity to experience key aspects of laboratory life as a bench research scientist within Mestag's Target Discovery team using the proprietary RAFT platform. Here you will be involved in the development of 3 dimensional models of human disease using cutting edge technologies including bioprinting, multilayer spheroid systems, CRISPR screening and 3D high content imaging.

Responsibilities

• Assist Senior Scientists with routine experimental workflowsand data collection.
• Cell immortalisation,viraltransformationand cloning.
• Support basic cell culture activities transitioning to more complex 3D culture model assembly as training allows. This can be both in model development and screening modes.
• Sample analysis including 2 & 3 dimensional high content imaging, ligand analysis (eg ELISA), western blot analysis, spectral cytometry and RT QPCR.
• CRISPR KO generation, cell bulking and screening.

Minimum qualifications and experience:

Essential

• A degree in a biological or life science discipline (e.g., Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Science, Molecular Biology or related field).
• Strong attention to detail and a proactive approach to laboratory work.
• Willingness to learn new techniques and contribute to a busy research environment.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively.

Desirable

• Previous laboratory experience (including university, summer placement, or internship).
• Familiarity with basic lab equipment and sterile working practices.
• Previous cell culture experience
• Understanding of good documentation practices including the use of electronic laboratory notebooks.

In return we can offer you

• Competitive salary plus extensive benefits package and on site parking.
• We work flexibly with a strong teamspirit and offer a highly competitive total rewards package including competitive salaries, pension contributions, private medical insurance, income protection and more.
• We have access to a range of onsite facilities including a gym, canteen, golfcourseand freeon-siteparking.
• We frequently hold Town Halls and team lunches, and have an active social committee, organizing regular events and "giving back" activities supporting charities close to our hearts.

About Mestag Therapeutics

Mestag harnesses new insights into fibroblast-immune interactions to develop impactful treatments for patients. We are progressing a pipeline of sophisticated first-in-class antibodies designed to improve the lives of patients with cancer and inflammatory disease. Together with our collaboration partner we are also identifying novel targets for future therapies using Mestag's proprietary RAFT target discovery platform.

Our founding investigators comprise global experts in inflammatory disease, cancer, computational biology and fibroblast biology from the University of Oxford, Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. We are supported by leading life science investors SV Health Investors, Johnson & Johnson Innovation - JJDC, Inc., Forbion, GV (formerly Google Ventures) and Northpond Ventures.

Mestag is headquartered in Cambridge, UK, and in 2021 was recognized on the Fierce 15 list of innovative biotechnology companies.

For further information please visit our website www.mestagtherapeutics.com